Arbanija Monastery St. Dominic Čiovo
1 / 10

Arbanija Monastery St. Dominic Čiovo

4.7
·191 reviews·Trogir, Croatia

A serene 13th-century monastery in Trogir, featuring an authentic cloister, beautiful gardens, and artistic chapels. A peaceful escape.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Late Afternoon

Peaceful and beautiful light

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Arbanija Monastery St. Dominic Čiovo

Arbanija Monastery St. Dominic Čiovo

Best Time

Late Afternoon

Peaceful and beautiful light

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A serene 13th-century monastery in Trogir, featuring an authentic cloister, beautiful gardens, and artistic chapels. A peaceful escape.

4.7
(191 reviews)

"Beautiful garden and very authentic cloister. The entrance is only 2 Euros."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Affordable Entry

Entry is only €2, a small price for a peaceful experience. :ticket:

🌳 Beautiful Garden

Don't miss the lovely garden with orange trees and scattered ancient remnants. :evergreen_tree:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Authentic Cloister

Authentic Cloister

Monastery Courtyard

Wander through a beautiful, authentic cloister with orange trees and ancient remnants.

Artistic Side Altars

Artistic Side Altars

Chapel

Admire two large, beautiful paintings depicting the Presentation of the Child Jesus.

Clear Bell Views

Clear Bell Views

Bell Tower

An interesting church where you can clearly see the bells, a unique feature for visitors.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Tranquility

Arbanija Monastery St. Dominic offers a peaceful escape. Entry is a modest €2, and it's open until after sunset, making it perfect for a serene evening visit. Dress respectfully, as it's a place of worship.

Trogir's Hidden Gem

While Trogir itself is a masterpiece, this monastery provides a quiet contrast. It's a beautiful spot for reflection, with a lovely garden and authentic cloister, often overlooked by the main tourist crowds.

Best Times

When
Late Afternoon
Why
Peaceful and beautiful light
Crowd
Low
When
After Sunset
Why
Still open, magical ambiance
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Croatia is one of the most beautiful countries I've ever been to! Here are some of the places we visited over 5 days... 📍Trogir 📍Brela 📍Split 📍Krka National Park 📍Šolta #split #trogir #brela #krkanationalpark #solta #croatia #croatia🇭🇷 #croatiatiktok #croatiatravel #visitcroatia
@nomadicnuala
168.3K likes • 2.3M views

🎯 Affordable Entry

Entry is only €2, a small price for a peaceful experience. :ticket:

🌳 Beautiful Garden

Don't miss the lovely garden with orange trees and scattered ancient remnants. :evergreen_tree:

🙏 Respectful Attire

Dress respectfully as it's a sacred place of worship. :pray:

🛍️ Small Gift Shop

A small gift shop offers souvenirs like local hats. :gift:

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Affordable Entry

Entry is only €2, a small price for a peaceful experience. :ticket:

🌳 Beautiful Garden

Don't miss the lovely garden with orange trees and scattered ancient remnants. :evergreen_tree:

🙏 Respectful Attire

Dress respectfully as it's a sacred place of worship. :pray:

🛍️ Small Gift Shop

A small gift shop offers souvenirs like local hats. :gift:

What Travellers Say

4.7
(191 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Arbanija Monastery St. Dominic for its serene atmosphere, beautiful authentic cloister, and affordable entry fee. It's seen as a peaceful escape within the historic town of Trogir, offering artistic and historical value. Some minor points of dislike include the potential for a slight port smell in certain areas of Trogir, though this is not directly within the monastery itself.

"The whole town of Trogir is a masterpiece of art, tradition and history. As many other coastal towns, Trogir is not an exception when we speak about the beauty of those holy places which give them the note of solemnity and peace. These two in particular give the town's promenade a postcard feature, as when seen from the opposite side, they remind a lot of much more renowned towns on the Azure coast, for instance.
There is a market place with local delicacies right next to the port and I strongly recommend not leaving Trogir without some bottles of domestic olive oil or brandy and a few jars of domestic honey in many versions.
The bakeries tend to be a bit overpriced, but they taste very good.
The only thing I didn't like there was the smell in one small segment of the port, but I guess it's normal for towns like Trogir."

Natasa Radulovic

"Interesting Church Where You Can See The Bells Clearly. ❤️

We Usually Visited There And Hear The Little Bell Strike At 3PM (3 O’clock). 🔔

It Was Nice Being There And We Loved The Arts And Decorations. ⭐️"

Gary Zavi

"The church and monastery of St. Dominic were founded in the 13th century. This newer part of the monastery was badly damaged during the Second World War. The eastern wing of the monastery were renovated in the 70's, and the western wing was renovated by the Institute for the Protection of Monuments in Split."

Mat Bienczyk

What People Like

Peaceful atmosphere
Authentic cloister
Affordable entry fee

What People Dislike

Port smell in Trogir

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The monastery is located in Trogir, often mentioned alongside the town's promenade. While specific public transport details aren't widely shared, it's easily accessible on foot from the port area, making it a convenient addition to your Trogir exploration. TikTok

Yes, it's situated near the port and promenade in Trogir, making it a visible landmark as you explore the town. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The entrance fee is a very affordable €2 per person. Reddit

The monastery is open during the day and remains accessible even after sunset, making it a great spot for an evening visit. Reddit

No advance booking is typically required. You can purchase tickets upon arrival at the entrance. Reddit

While not strictly enforced for all areas, it's a place of worship, so dressing respectfully is advised. One visitor mentioned their sister wore a sleeveless blouse and was still allowed in, but it's best to err on the side of caution. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Visitors can explore the authentic cloister with its garden and ancient remnants, admire the chapel's beautiful paintings, and see the church bells clearly. It's a place for quiet reflection and appreciating art and history. Reddit

Yes, there is a small gift shop near the entrance where you can purchase souvenirs like local hats. Reddit

Information on specific accessibility features is limited, but the main areas like the cloister and chapel are generally navigable. It's advisable to inquire upon arrival if you have specific concerns. Reddit

Photography is generally permitted, especially in the outdoor areas like the cloister. Be mindful and respectful when photographing any religious art or interiors. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There are no dining facilities within the monastery itself. However, Trogir's promenade and town center offer numerous restaurants and bakeries for refreshments. Reddit

Near the port in Trogir, you can find a market with local delicacies like domestic olive oil, brandy, and honey. Bakeries are also available, though they can be a bit pricey. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The authentic cloister with its orange trees and scattered architectural remnants offers beautiful photographic opportunities. The chapel's side altars with their large paintings are also visually striking. Reddit

Yes, the monastery is open after sunset, and the evening light can create a magical ambiance for photography. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Arbanija Monastery St. Dominic can be a peaceful interlude for families visiting Trogir. The €2 entrance fee is budget-friendly, and the beautiful garden with orange trees offers a pleasant space for children to explore briefly. While it's a place of worship, the authentic cloister and the visual appeal of the chapel's paintings can capture a child's attention for a short while. It's a good option for a quiet moment away from the busier parts of Trogir, especially if you want to introduce children to historical and religious sites in a calm setting. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, Arbanija Monastery St. Dominic is an excellent find. The entry fee of just €2 is incredibly affordable, offering significant value for the experience. You can spend time enjoying the peaceful atmosphere, the beautiful garden, and the authentic cloister without a hefty cost. It's a perfect way to add a cultural and serene element to your Trogir itinerary without breaking the bank. Reddit

🧘 Solo Travelers & Spiritual Seekers

Solo travelers and those seeking spiritual reflection will find Arbanija Monastery St. Dominic a welcoming sanctuary. The quiet ambiance and the opportunity for prayer in the chapel make it ideal for introspection. You can wander through the authentic cloister at your own pace, appreciating the art and history without feeling rushed. The monastery's accessibility, even after sunset, allows for a personal and peaceful experience. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Glimpse into History and Renovation

The Church and Monastery of St. Dominic boasts a rich history, with its origins tracing back to the 13th century. While the original structure has seen centuries of change, the monastery experienced significant damage during World War II. Subsequent efforts in the 1970s saw the eastern wing renovated, followed by the western wing being restored by the Institute for the Protection of Monuments in Split. This ongoing preservation ensures that visitors can still experience its historical significance today. Reddit

This dedication to restoration is evident in the well-maintained cloister and chapel. The authentic cloister provides a tranquil space, adorned with orange trees and scattered ancient architectural remnants, offering a peaceful retreat. Inside the chapel, visitors can admire two beautiful, large paintings on the side altars, depicting the Presentation of the Child Jesus to the Temple. These artistic treasures add to the monastery's serene and contemplative atmosphere. Reddit

Experiencing the Monastery's Ambiance

Visiting Arbanija Monastery St. Dominic offers a unique blend of historical appreciation and peaceful reflection. The modest entrance fee of €2 makes it an accessible attraction, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the serene environment. Many find the experience to be one of quiet contemplation, with one visitor mentioning kneeling to say prayers for their family. Reddit

The monastery's charm extends beyond its historical significance. The beautiful garden and the authentic cloister are frequently highlighted as favorite spots. The presence of orange trees adds a sensory delight, and the scattered ancient architectural remnants contribute to the site's unique character. It's a place where you can hear the little bell strike at 3 PM, adding a touch of local rhythm to your visit. Reddit

Furthermore, the monastery remains open after sunset, offering a different, perhaps even more magical, ambiance. This extended accessibility allows visitors to experience the site in varying lights, enhancing its appeal. The small gift shop near the entrance also provides an opportunity to take home a memento, such as a 'Trogir' hat, for around €10. Reddit

You may also like

1 of 2